Teacher Paraprofessional/Assistant

Position Summary: Montessori Teacher Paraprofessional/Assistant

We are a member of Wildflower Montessori Public Schools of Colorado (WMPSC) and will serves students in 1-3rd grade in Grand Junction, Colorado. The purpose of the Paraprofessional/ Assistant position is to support the instructional and administrative work of the Teacher Leaders in meeting the needs of students in service of growing and sustaining a peaceful, productive school community. They will specifically support staff with students in all educational environments to meet instructional goals and objectives being a 1:1 support.

Our Mission

The mission of Wildflower Montessori Public Schools of Colorado (WMPSC) is to provide families with child-centered, authentic Montessori education that bridges academic outcomes and social-emotional development through intimate learning communities deeply rooted in place, equity, and belonging.

A Montessori assistant works in a Montessori classroom, supporting the Teacher Leader in creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment for children between the ages of 6 and 9 years old. The paraprofessional plays a vital role in implementing the Montessori philosophy and helping children develop independence, social skills, and a love for learning. Some of the primary responsibilities of a Montessori paraprofessional include:

• 1. Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, and achievement.
• 2. Assists and guides student to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, and other skills.
• 3. Works with students individually, in small groups, or whole group to reinforce and re-teach basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• 4. Assists teacher leaders in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
• 5. Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• 6. Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• 7. Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• 8. Assists all students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs,, recess duty, and 1:1 breaks as needed.
• 9. Prepares educational materials as needed.
• 10. Assists teacher leaders with parent contact, as requested, to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• 11. Participates in IEP process and serves as a resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• 12. Assist students with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities
• 13. Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
• 14. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• 15. Assists with fostering independence, socialization, and self esteem for 1:1 student.

Job Qualifications:

Montessori Mindset: Familiarity with the Montessori method or willing to learn more to acclimate to the classroom environment.

Experience and Education: Prior experience working with young children in an educational or childcare setting is preferred. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, although Montessori training is preferred for candidates, and/or a college degree in early childhood education or a related field.

Patience and Empathy: Possessing a genuine love for working with young children and an understanding of their developmental needs. Demonstrating patience, kindness, and empathy in supporting their learning and emotional well-being.

Communication Skills: Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with the Teacher Leader, parents, and other staff members. Ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with young children.

Adaptability and Flexibility: Being adaptable to the unique needs and dynamics of each Montessori classroom. Flexibility in assisting with various tasks and responsibilities as directed by the Teacher Leader.

Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills to help maintain an orderly and prepared Montessori environment. Attention to detail in arranging materials and keeping the classroom clean and organized.

Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively with the Teacher Leader and other assistants to create a harmonious and effective teaching team. Willingness to contribute ideas and actively participate in the growth and development of the classroom community.

Required:

• High school diploma or GED
• Native-like fluency in English, both spoken and written.
• Previous experience working with young children.

Preferred:

• Previous experience as a Montessori/Early Childhood assistant.
• Previous experience as a para professional
• CPI trained (or willing to acquire training)
• Comfortable using technology, including working on a Chromebook or laptop and using phone apps for communication.

Working Conditions:

This position requires regular movement within the classroom and building, which may include climbing stairs, getting up and down from the floor, walking on uneven surfaces (playground), and sitting or standing for extended periods. Occasionally, there may be a need to be outside for a short period of time in inclement weather.

Physical Requirements:

Candidates must be able to sit, stand, bend, reach, occasionally climb on stools, navigate stairs, and lift up to 20 lbs

Salary

$24-25/hour based on experience

Hours:

• 9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. Monday - Friday

Application:

To apply, send an email with the subject line: Paraprofessional Position to and info@wfcopublicschools.org

Include your resume and a cover letter describing why you are interested in the position and what qualities you bring to your work. Cactus Bloom Community School will endeavor to review and update job descriptions annually

Wildflower Montessori Public Schools of Colorado shall not discriminate, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, religion, sex or gender, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, or in any other way based on personal identity markers that do not relate to the capacity of an individual person to carry out the responsibilities of a role.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $24.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Grand Junction, CO 81506 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Grand Junction, CO 81506: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $25